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David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

@DavidArchie

My Kind Of Christmas Concert ~ Click On Picture To Watch Concert!

Charities David Supports

Respecting the Influence of David Archuleta ~ Something to Think and be Thankful ‘Bout

Posted by Abrra on Thursday, November 22, 2012

It was a sunny Sunday morning ride to do a favor for an out of town friend. I had to feed her cats. As usual my iPod was hooked into the car stereo and “Something ‘Bout Love” was playing. Pulling up to the stoplight, I was first in line to go when it changed to green.

A man was standing on the grassy island that separates the traffic coming to the stoplight at this busy intersection. He was simply dressed in a white long sleeve jersey and dark colored sweat pants. A baseball cap shaded his head from the sun. The most remarkable thing about him was that he held a sign. I was not sure why he was there until I read the sign.

It said, Homeless. Anything will help out. Thank you.

The skeptic side of me wanted to dismiss this scene and not look at the man. My heart told me to look him in the eye. It’s amazing how a few seconds spent sizing up a man holding a sign will soften your resolve to just drive past him. Did I believe that this man was motivated by self interest? You bet I did. If no one was going to hand him a place to live, he was going to do everything in his power to get by, including standing on a street begging for money. I can respect that. Did I consider that he might be an addict looking to pay for his next fix? I did. I can’t even imagine the pain that an addict feels, when in need of a fix. I decided not to press him for details on what brought him to this place in his life. Secretly, I hoped he would make the most out of what donations he got on this day. Maybe enough for a warm bed and a hot meal. The offer of a job, rather than a handout of cash, would surely help his situation most of all.

When the world falls down like rain
It’ll bring you to your knees
Something ’bout love that breaks your heart
Woah, oh, oh, oh
But don’t give up
There’s something ’bout love

Why do I bring this up now, you ask? I want to highlight the fact that no matter how comfortable we are in our lives, there are still so many others who struggle each day for a meal and a bed to sleep on. There are reasons why folks find themselves in dire need such as job loss or unexpected illness that can wipe out a family’s resources. I am inspired by David’s example of giving to those in need. There are organizations in every state that serve the homeless. Their budgets have been cut to the bone, making it difficult to maintain programs for the poor. Getting involved by volunteering and donating at food banks and shelters would serve this need so well. To get information on what you can do locally go here:

Your day will come
The past is gone
So take your time
Live and let live

I had a brief exchange with the man who stood on the grass holding his sign. He thanked me in a soft voice. When the light changed to green, I was on my way again. David sang “I won’t shed a tear, just as long as you stand by me.” It doesn’t happen too often, but I had tears in my eyes. For the man who had to resort to standing on the street to beg for money to live just another day in paradise.

Grateful for your thoughts and the Pictures. Bless your heart and Happy Thanksgiving. Counting Gratefuls on this day. …But for the grace of God….Many lessons can be learned from those less fortunate for sure.
Grateful for TheVoice ……….Something ’bout Love for sure.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I’m so thankful for my wonderful life surrounded by beautiful family and friends and I give thanks to God everyday for all my blessings. I also want to thank all that is involved in making this site so much fun to visit. Gobble! gobble!!

goodkarmaseekersaid

fenfansaid

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Eat lots of turkey and pie. I hope David has a happy Thanksgiving too.
Thank you Abrra for the timely reminder that each of us can do something, no matter how small or big, to help those in need.
Love that beautiful picture of our favourite guy up there and all the equally gorgeous ones in the sidebars.

goodkarmaseekersaid

Oh and one more thing, I am thankful for this site and all of you and the waiting that we are doing together. Gotta say, we’re pretty awesome! Also I’m thankful that I just found my Christmas from the Heart and Glad Tidings cds!!!
They were stashed away in who knows where and I just came upon the where!!! That teaches me to only play Christmas music at Christmas time! Have a wonderful day.

Last night, a dear friend told me about a new blog. I read extensively, the main theme is the invasion of privacy of David at this time.
The article refers to my invasion into the privacy of David.
My only answer in the comments was this:

MTsaid

Abrra,
Thank you for the heartfelt reminder of what the human heart holds. Love, and caring, and a giving nature. Although our lives are not perfect, we need only look around to see how lucky we are. There are so many less fortunate. Big or small, each gesture of kindness makes a difference.

I am thankful for so many things, and one is this place and all of you.

Such a beautiful article, Abrra..♥ just love you, and your good heart to pieces!!♥
You caused me to rethink… we never know what a person is going through, or has gone through, to be driven to stand out on the street, as the man you encountered was doing. I am proud and thankful to know you Abrra,and all of you here!!

Gladys,
13.as Emme said ” Gladys, no worries, it is what it is. I believe it is not accidental that you have been blessed with these opportunities.”
and MT
” You go and enjoy your concert ♥.”
Gladys,I hope you enjoy every single minute, I am so excited for you!! Just forget about that blog or whatever it is.

Bluesky,
“DA has what I call, a ‘naked heart’. Was listening to some Eva Cassidy the other day (one of DA’s many gifts to me) she has one, too”
David, and Eva…the only two people, whose beautiful gifts,can bring tears to my eyes.So glad too I found Eva, through David.
I was out early raking leaves,while listening to David,and Eva a couple of days ago!♥ They are indeed ,musically kindred spirits.

Abrrasaid

Thanks to all who read and comment here. I always enjoy reading your thoughts. David is an inspiration to me and I am trying to be more considerate of my fellow man.

I wasn’t sure how this story would be received because everyone has a different reaction to those who beg for donations. I chose a logn time ago too accept the fact that if things are that desperate, maybe I can make the day a little brighter in a small way.

I hope that however you celebrated today, that you made the most of what you have. In our house it was low key. Both my daughter and her husband are hospital employees who work with the mentally ill. They had the opportunity to earn extra pay by working the holiday. I was happy for them and enjoyed a quiet day. Maybe for some this is heresy 😉 but I am glad to have the option to not go through all the cooking rituals.

Gladys

I have read the blog you mentioned. I will not post a link to it here on this site because it is so hurtful and judgemental in it’s tone towards some fans. Your comment was held back because the blogger is not going to allow anything that is not in lock step with their agenda.If you comment ever does show up, I would be very surprised. My hope is that they will come to their senses and delete the site.

ray (aka rooster)said

Djafansaid

Abrra, Your article reminded me of what my dad told me when I was young in an answer to my question on why he always handed money to those out in the street if they were probably going to buy drugs or alcohol. He said he couldn’t worry about that. If it helped just one that was reason enough. Thank you.

Bluesky, David has a naked heart, I love this. It reached out to mine and took residence 🙂

Happy Day of Thanks to All!

Gladys, when David made his announcement he said no one told him he had to go on a mission, that it was something he felt in his heart, this feeling he gets and has always answered it. There were many that felt that it was something he had to do and many that were completely against it. David didn’t go to any of them for their “opinions” he went directly to his Heavenly Father. They are entitled to their opinion as are we. What is going on behind the scenes that have led up to you attending the devotionals is nothing short of several miracles 🙂

angelofdjasaid

Abrra, I think this is a lovely article. Especially on this day. We give thanks for all we have and pray for those who are less fortunate. I understand why you teared up. You have a lovely heart filled with compassion, just like David!

Oh Gladys, those folks at that blog haven’t a clue! You are a wonderful David fan! You have done NOTHING wrong! You followed the necessary rules without our EVER stepping out of line. PLEASE don’t listen to their rants, and whatever you do, DON’T return to that blog. They don’t deserve your time of day.

poofsaid

Abrra,
“When you’re on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I’ll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes,
And pain is all around.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.

I think David would approve.

Happy Thanksgiving, for me a day of many blessings and reasons to be thankful.

jans11said

It is a fine line on my emotions when I see someone begging on the streets. I always think of one of my favorite verses, “there go I, but for the Grace of God”. On the other hand, a friend of mine said when gave to a lady “in need” and the lady went around the corner and climb in her Ferrari! I always give to David’s charity’s and my church always gives out baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I head the Grief Group at church and there is a Cancer Action group that I am afiliated with. We take the money that we collect from these meetings through the year and adopt families for Christmas. It’s so much fun shopping for these families!♥

Gladys, I read part of that blog too, but couldn’t finish it! You are doing what is right for you, so go see David and have a blessed time enjoying him at Christmas time. I’ve been spoiled the last 3 yrs to be able to see him live in concert at Christmas time and this year (and probably next) it is your turn. You are the best representative for us that we could have! You so deserve it and don’t let anyone tell you different!!!!!♥ 🙂

ray (aka rooster)said

Hope everyone had a beautiful, delicious, peaceful Thanksgiving with family, friends, or in quality time on your own, as Abrra did. It was just me and the hubs and we are enjoying the down time very much. No Black Friday for me, thank you very much!

About the post, we had a discussion on this topic years ago at Church in our women’s gospel doctrine class and many pros and cons were bandied about. What if he is using the money for drugs or just doesn’t want to work? After all the opinions were voiced, we finally agreed that we should just give cheerfully as though it was for the least of these, (and therefore, to Him) and leave it in the Lord’s hands. It’s not for us to judge another.

Well, off to hurt myself again eating more turkey and dressing and apple pie left-overs than I need. So thankful for all my blessings and for all of you. And for David, who is the purest example of non-judgmental love I know.

Kari says get your cards for his birthday or Christmas to her BY NEXT WEEK!!! Let’s show him some love and that we remember him. This will be his first birthday and Christmas away from home. Now is the time for all good Archies to come to the aid of their David-man!

emmegirl14said

jans11said

Abrrasaid

I don’t do any shopping. I give green. 😉 I enjoy seeing what someone decides to get for themselves (with my green), rather than return some gift I thought they would like.
Everyone is happy.

Betsy
Did I tell you this story after it happened? Am I so transparent when I write? Haha!

Angelica

I think I have a left over half a tuna sandwich I am willing to share if you are tired of turkey. 😉

And in the category of “when worlds collide”, I was listening to a podcast today about my favorite computer game World of Warcraft and learned that Sam Condon did the music for the latest game content. He worked with Kurt Bestor on CFTH. My 2 obsessions (David and gaming) have something very cool in common.

thank you Dja,
Who could resist getting busy with their Archuduties, with him looking right at you like that!! whoa!

No Black Friday for me either, (though I will admit seeing a 60 inch flat screen TV going for 149.00 at Wallymart had me tinkering with the idea just for a fleeting itty bitty second).My daughter went there at 9pm last night and the parking lot was full already.
27.Abs, I took a little bite of your sandwich when you weren’t lookin’ it was good:)
I am already tired of the turkey but mine has been around for 3 days with an early celebration feast.

cc halosaid

Gladys, in that blog they use the example of a street with a no trespassing sign. But what about people who live on that street? Aren’t they allowed to invite guests? You were an invited guest with permission. You have nothing to worry about.

bebereadersaid

Abs,
Thanks for reminding us of the real meaning of the holiday in this heartfelt message
you wrote. It’s all about being there for each other, isn’t it? That’s why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I love that it’s a family holiday and that airports are busy with people getting to their families and traffic is bad because people are traveling home. We spent the day at my inlaws in NJ. Effects from Hurricane Sandy were still in evidence, not even three weeks ago.

No Black Friday shopping for me. I started doing some of my shopping online a few weeks ago. It beats standing on those lines. Coupons can be used online too.

Gladys, we are here to support you; don’t forget it.

Here’s David at the New York City Thanksgiving Day Parade four years ago. I know it’s an old pic and that Abs posted one earlier but you can’t beat that smile!

Shopping on Black Friday? Not this girl! Unless you count buying myself a smartwater to get through the day. 🙂
I DID work it. Aiy yi yi.
I can’t complain, just spoke with my daughter and she worked 16 hours today at her 2 jobs at a mall. She deserves an award or something lol.

bebereadersaid

I don’t care for the split screen but it’s David!!! And you’re right Bluesky, love the hands-free no-mic look. I knew something was different but couldn’t put my finger on it. Duh LOL jdajfadjlfjljfadjfjaskjfdkjf And that about says it all for me! 🙂

MTsaid

Bebe, I’m not a fan of the split screen either, but only because I don’t know where to look! I have decided to watch one side at a time so it will take several viewings. LOL

I have to admit, I am a fan of the left screen, the shots are pulled farther back and in profile!!! 😉

Jan, haha Is your keyboard spazzing with you?

Love the bebopping shoulder action. He has such graceful natural rhythmic movement. I hope we start seeing him more like that on stage when he returns. He needs a head mic to keep those hands free and encourage a little more dancing!

skydancer1xsaid

anyone else seeking solace? this helps.I will keep busy with my archusweat, I mean my Archuduties this morning, till #37 maybe or not returns.
.this one will work fine, if it’s David, its all good.:)) (the acapella part is fgkjfglK! on this one.)

Abrrasaid

Thx! I wanted to do the pictures for awhile, just decided to do a big push to work on them recently. The picture you mentioned is from tumblr. Just a guess, but it looks like he went to a concert and someone snapped a picture of him from backstage. See the drum kit to his left?

I will for sure be in le chat tonight, Abrra. And now, to pass the time and take my mind off the fact that they took my sunshine, er…my rainbow away, I will go make a chocolate pecan pie from scratch and maybe eat the whole thing.

Abrrasaid

jans11said

Abbra, thanks for the memories! I have been listening to the 2009 Christmas Tour cd that you sent me! ♥ It is so awesome and brings back all those memories from his first concert. I guess I’m grieving because it hurts to remember the good times that he has brought to us. I wil be there in chat too, to help perk me up.

50 MT I guess my keyboards was spazzing with me. One time it was right and the next it wasn’t, so I gave up and it turned out ok. 😆

Dayzeesaid

Abrra, I love that David encourages us to share. He knows what makes us happy, and there is no better feeling than giving freely. I don’t think we should concern ourselves too much with what is done with our gifts. When I was young my father told me the giving was our responsibility. What was done with the gift was not. Of course he did not mean we should just throw our money to any cause, but if a gift is given freely it is counterproductive to want control.

Angelica, ty for the scream caps. No matter how large a container I have, it is never too full for more David gorgeousness.

Gladys, if all fans were as respectful as you, there would be no problem. You are one classy lady.

It is a common occurrence around Salt Lake City for “welcome home” messages to be placed on any freeway overpass made from plastic cups stuck in the fence.

I did not pay much attention to them until David left. Now I see them and think how exciting it would be to see “Welcome Home Elder Archuleta”.

There is also an abandoned cement factory that has displayed these messages for at least 50 years.

fenfansaid

Oh no I missed the Rainbow MV, I missed chat and I missed whatever new that got played in chat! Real life got in the way of my David world. But those screamcaps at #63…..!!!! How did they turn his lips so many colours? And that shadow – killer at whatever o’clock!!!
I want to hear him sing Two Different Worlds.

jans11said

Abrra, I was glad I got to chat too. Sure glad I didn’t miss that surprise! ♥

Dayzee, the swinging and swaying David is very fasinating to say the least! And 20 times isn’t even enough! It will be so good to see some of those “welcome home” signs for David when the time comes. And that won’t be soon enough!

Betsy, a million thanks for the video! That’s the O Holy Night i was talking about yesterday that I had heard on my cd! That voice and song just fills my heart to the brim! ♥

Kizzisaid

Great insights Abrra….cadara!!! Whenever I drive/stop at traffic lights with people who are selling papers, water, etc, I always engage. Some because I am naturally in groove and some because of the awareness of the needs of others b/c of being a David fan.

Abrrasaid

Kizzi
Nice to see you again 🙂 David has raised our awareness of those less fortunate. We have all had a time in our lives when we had a personal struggle of some kind. A helping hand means a happy heart for both the giver and receiver.

Apparently Elder Archuleta’s mission is going to have a big sports day in a stadium in Rancagua on December 21st to celebrate the Christmas holiday. They will be dividing up into teams. Sorry this is in Spanish but you can use the much useful these days “Google translate”.

bebereadersaid

Whew!! Real life took over (and I mean t.o.o.k o.v.e.r) this last few days!! I woke up this morning not even knowing what day it was— really! But, that part of real is taken care of and now ‘my’ real is back online! 🙂 So sad I missed chat Saturday. Even more sad I missed the MV. I could have used the relief. Waiting for the mailman.

Abrra, your comments are intriguing. I’m one of those that tends to shy away from strangers. I have so many thoughts go through my head when I see them. I feel bad – I don’t feel bad – what do I really feel(?). I’ve helped a few times, others I’ve passed by. Just me, and me is who I am.

emifriendsaid

I read a book once by two guys that lived “as homeless people” for 18 months. They said even the smallest, kind gestures could make their days better. I liked their idea to keep bottled water with protein bars/granola bars in your car to hand out.

bluesky
I love the notion of a “naked heart.” Thank you for teaching me about that. I think most children have naked hearts too, somehow. It’s something i will think about for a good long while I think.

mlpb3said

Jans11 – that info wasn’t up when I posted originally. It looks like they will be playing a variety of sports, including football (says “elders cannot touch the sisters”), volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, etc. Sounds like fun! Would like to be a fly sitting in the stadium lol. Martha 🙂

mlpb3said

MT – Yes, it should be fun. Hopefully, they will have other activities for a summer Christmas that will keep them occupied away from their families. Of course, they will be helping others too, I’m sure, and that is a great way to enjoy your Christmas! Martha 🙂

kayceesaid

My Thanksgiving company has finally left, and I am able to read Abrra’s wonderful article. “No matter how comfortable we are in our lives, there are still so many others who struggle each day for a meal and a bed to sleep on.” So important to remember this, especially when we get a bit too comfortable.

A few months ago, I came upon a child who had fallen down alongside the road. I pulled over and after a phone call to her mother, drove her home…which was a dirty, cluttered, broken-down trailer. The mother emerged from the home, and the relief and joy in her daughter’s eyes, as well as the love and concern in the mother’s face, just melted my heart. I have had the honor of spending more time with the daughter, and I am continually impressed with her positive outlook on life. She reminds me how incredibly lucky I am and how trivial my problems are. I also realize that the difference between her mother and myself is not in our character or our desire to love and support our families, but in the people and opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to have. I hope to be that person to others.

Thank you, Abrra, for reminding us of what is most important at this time of year.

Abrrasaid

Kaycee
Thank you for being that child’s guardian angel. We all hope for a kind traveler to assist our children if they were in distress. We never know what will happen sometimes when we turn them loose in the world.